The impact of time pressure on cybersecurity behaviour: a systematic literature review

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn today's fast-paced society, users of information technology increasingly operate under high time pressure. Loaded with multiple tasks and racing against deadlines, users experience considerable cognitive load and stress which can detrimentally impact their behaviour. As a result, scholars have shown that the human firewall in cybersecurity is often compromised, with potentially catastrophic consequences for users, the organisations they represent, and their clients. However, despite concerns about the impact of time pressure on human cybersecurity (HCS) behaviour, research on this matter is scant and there is no literature review available that may inform researchers and practitioners about the current body of knowledge. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review of 21 studies in leading outlets. Synthesising the findings of the extant literature, we present an integrative theoretical framework that conceptualises the impact of time pressure on HCS behaviour along the contexts, psychological constructs, consequences, and moderating factors of the phenomenon. For researchers, this framework can serve as a ‘route map’ to conceptualise the role of time pressure in the HCS context and to identify directions for further research. Practitioners can use the framework as a guide for devising effective countermeasures and for designing and provisioning systems.